Carson City area weather: Wind, snow and cold return beginning Tuesday
The Presidents' Day holiday weekend will continue to be dry and mild around the Carson City area before a cold front ushers in a major change beginning Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Strong winds will accompany the cold front on Tuesday with gusts of 40-50 mph expected along the front, with possible stronger gusts surpassing 60 mph in wind prone areas along US-395 as well as US-95 south of Highway 50.
Wind gusts exceeding 100 mph are expected along the Sierra crest, with potential impacts on both air and ground travel, along with choppy lakes, NWS forecasters said.
Areas of blowing dust are also possible across the west central Nevada Basin and Range, which could affect I-80, US-95, and Highway 50 on Tuesday. A High Wind Watch has been issued by the weather service from Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening for Mineral and southern Lyon counties in Nevada and Mono County in California.
Forecasters advise damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines and warned that power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
An initial round of snow is expected Tuesday and Tuesday night, with a short burst of higher snowfall rates and even a rumble of thunder possible with the front. Additional periods of snow showers will follow through Thursday night, according to the weather service.
Overall snow totals over the 3-day period could reach 12-18 inches along the Sierra crest, with a dusting up to 2 inches into the valleys of western Nevada. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday for the greater Lake Tahoe area.
High temperatures Wednesday through Friday will struggle to get out of the 30s in even the warmest valleys, with teens and 20s in the mountains. Overnight lows will dip in the teens and single digits, with below zero in colder valleys.
Brisk winds will make it feel even colder, with dangerous wind chills in exposed areas of the high Sierra dipping as low as minus 30 degrees. The weather service advises residents to protect vulnerable populations and pets.
For travel updates see NVroads.com or call 511. Check back for updates.